The best free comedy in London
Ride out the recession with free laughs at the capital's top comedy clubs
With comedians charging top dollar to watch them from a mile away at the O2, we here at Time Out offer you a guide to the financially viable alternatives – London’s best free comedy gigs. The quality can be a little hit and miss, but there’s no doubting that these free things to do in London offer excellent value for money. A minor warning: although they say ‘free’, many clubs invite donations at the end of the night. Don’t feel rude if you can’t make a contribution, but if you’ve enjoyed the show, why not pay what you think it was worth?
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The best free comedy nights in London
Absolutely Free Comedy Night
Slick, honest and occasionally bleak, the mightily funny Henry Ginsberg is MC of this Piccadilly club. You’ll see the best new talent here, alongside circuit headliners and the occasional big TV name – all in an intimate room with a super-friendly atmosphere. And, of course, it won’t cost you a penny.
- Blue Posts, 28 Rupert St, London, W1D 6DJ
- Mondays and Thursdays (see listings)
Angel Comedy
Past headliners of this N1 gig include legendary surrealist Simon Munnery, ‘Mock the Week’ guest Ian Stone and ‘Royal Variety Star’ Hal Cruttenden. What more could you want from a free comedy gig on a Saturday night? Oh, an array of tremendous new talent too? Done.
- Camden Head, 2 Camden Walk, London, N1 8DY
- Every Saturday
Comedy Cafe
This renowned weekly open mic night is where many of today’s biggest names first gained stage time. The ever-so-slightly rowdy crowd make it a challenging gig for newcomers, but many leave the stage as heroes.
- Comedy Café Theatre, 66 Rivington St, London, EC2A 3AY
- Every Wednesday
Free and Funny in Angel
This comedy night in Angel proves that Thursdays are indeed the new Fridays. The bills here usually include a top headliner, up-and-coming talent and a few acts trying stand-up for the very first time.
- Camden Head, 2 Camden Walk, London, N1 8DY
- Every Thursday
Lewis Schaffer is Free Until Famous
Brooklyn-born honorary Brit Lewis Schaffer performs his sharp solo show twice (sometimes thrice) a week in London. It's the longest continuously running solo stand-up show in the UK, and Schaffer is always adding new jokes and refreshing his material.
- The Source Below, 11 Lower John St, W1F 9TY
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Set Up… Punchline
This very friendly Kensington club’s line-ups showcase mostly new material from established comics, plus newcomers working on their first five or ten minutes of material.
- Archangel, 11-13 Kensington High St, London, W8 5NP
- Every Monday
Weirdos Comedy Club
As the name suggests, at this gig stand-ups are invited to perform material or comedy pieces considered too odd or alternative for the mainstream clubs. Come with an open mind and you’ll leave with a big grin on your face.
- The Lion, 2 Britannia St, WC1X 9JE
- The second and fourth Tuesday of every month
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